Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.
The April issue of the magazine has four pages on the life and career of Sergeant William Bernard Traynor VC, who showed incredible courage during the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902.
Traynor, who was born in Hull, Yorkshire, earned his Victoria Cross for a rare night action of the war after being dispatched to South Africa.
His gallantry took place during a night attack on his camp on February 6 1901. Traynor jumped out of his trench to help a wounded comrade despite being under an intense fire. With the help of another man, Traynor carried the soldier to safety.
Unfortunately, Traynor was so badly wounded in the rescue that his wife was informed he had been killed in battle. In fact, his injuries meant he was discharged from the Army in September 1901, the same month that his VC was announced. Traynor was so badly hurt that he was unable to attend his planned investiture in London.
However, Traynor eventually enjoyed a long life working as a barrack room warden in Dover, Kent. He died in Dover in October 1956, aged in his 80s.
Lord Ashcroft’s articles for Britain at War over the past 11 years have been largely based on excerpts from his seven books on gallantry: Victoria Cross Heroes, Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes, Heroes of the Skies, Special Ops Heroes, Victoria Cross Heroes Volume II and Falklands War Heroes.
Lord Ashcroft is a military historian who has lectured extensively on courage and his various medal collections.
- Lord Ashcroft’s latest article appears in the April issue of Britain at War which is on sale now.
